This is what Pitt's offense is going to look like this year

[steel_curtain]

-Now if our defense can stop a nosebleed, a big season is ahead. This is power run football and what it looks like. Dominant run game and dominant defensive line = Play for ACC Title. Conner and our O-line will freight-train defenses, now we need the D-Line to dominate to win the Coastal and Compete for the ACC Title.

 

[rockypanther]

How do you go from if our defense can stop a nose bleed to our dominant defensive line in the same paragraph?

 

[FieldHouse12]

We will only be able to run if we can throw . Teams will crowd the box.

 

[pittmeister]

We will only be able to run if we can throw . Teams will crowd the box.

Bingo!

 

[Delpanther]

Watching Lewis best reflects what we didn't have at RB last year- a guy with real vision and instincts and an ability to make people miss and ultimately make 5 yards with no blocking. Connor is the closest runner in style we have to Lewis. And watching that tape still makes me sick- how the hell did we lose that game? Wanny.......

 

[Jpripper88]

-Now if our defense can stop a nosebleed, a big season is ahead. This is power run football and what it looks like. Dominant run game and dominant defensive line = Play for ACC Title. Conner and our O-line will freight-train defenses, now we need the D-Line to dominate to win the Coastal and Compete for the ACC Title.

View embedded media

I know some may have been too young to remember, but we lost that game. Terrible memory for Pitt fans.

 

[rpost3]

Not watching that clip. Seeing that game once was enough. But man...Dion was great to watch.
A data analyst company calculated that Dion made more people miss last year per touch than anyone since Barry Sanders.

 

[Pitt79]

I know some may have been too young to remember, but we lost that game. Terrible memory for Pitt fans.

That was a helluva game that Pitt gave away! 45-44 I think, we blew a 3 TD lead, that would have put us in the BCS I think? Using that as a positive example is stupid. I personal would wish we had an offense like Cincy had that year.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

I sat over by the student section for this game because one of the guys in our group' s son was thinking about going to PITT and playing in the band. The student section was crazy loud and the outcome still makes my stomach ache!

Hey.....lets kick the ball to Gilliard again

 

[JoseLind13]

Bingo!

Yep... Pitt only threw around 20 times in that game, but Baldwin still went over 100 yards with 2 TD's, so there was a legit passing threat that they were forced to respect in their formations, despite Dion getting 47 carries.

However, I suspect we will be pleasantly surprised this year, as someone is bound to breakout among the WR options this season and command respect by the defense... barring major injuries at QB, of course.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

That was a helluva game that Pitt gave away! 45-44 I think, we blew a 3 TD lead, that would have put us in the BCS I think? Using that as a positive example is stupid. I personal would wish we had an offense like Cincy had that year.

There was nothing wrong with that offense. I just wish we had Cincinnati's special teams.

 

[JoseLind13]

There was nothing wrong with that offense. I just wish we had Cincinnati's special teams.

Correct. Aside from the special teams nightmares, Pitt (and Wannstedt) did everything that everyone said they needed to do (but doubted they would do) to win that game. Painful loss, but many expected that monster Cincy offense to roll and expected it to be impossible for Pitt to keep pace in that game. So close... once again.

 

[Pitt79]

There was nothing wrong with that offense. I just wish we had Cincinnati's special teams.

I just prefer a wide open, spread, pass oriented offense.

 

[raleighpanther]

I just prefer a wide open, spread, pass oriented offense.

I'd prefer to win the lottery today.
Regardless of what type of offense any of us wants to have, Pitt will have an offense that is based on a power run game, because that is where our strength lies. Our OL is projected as the second best in the ACC next year, and our RB talent is good and deep.

There is nothing more disheartening for a team than to have the other team run the ball down your throat, with little hope that you're going to be able to stop it. Rain or shine, the strong power run game will be successful. A pass happy spread can be in trouble with wind, a frozen ball, etc.

 

[steel_curtain]

We will only be able to run if we can throw . Teams will crowd the box.

-Did you watch the video? There were plays when Cincy had 10 in the box, and they couldnt stop the run. And Conner is way harder to bring down than Lewis.

 

[steel_curtain]

That was a helluva game that Pitt gave away! 45-44 I think, we blew a 3 TD lead, that would have put us in the BCS I think? Using that as a positive example is stupid. I personal would wish we had an offense like Cincy had that year.

-So your suggesting our offense was the problem? Dion Lewis had 200 rush yards and 4 rush TD's in that game.

-Maybe if Dave had a defense and defensive line, we would have won.

-Its well understood a lot of people here would like to see a Jim Chaney pass happy spread offense. But it isnt happening with Matt Canada, all power run game.

 

[steel_curtain]

I'd prefer to win the lottery today.
Regardless of what type of offense any of us wants to have, Pitt will have an offense that is based on a power run game, because that is where our strength lies. Our OL is projected as the second best in the ACC next year, and our RB talent is good and deep.

There is nothing more disheartening for a team than to have the other team run the ball down your throat, with little hope that you're going to be able to stop it. Rain or shine, the strong power run game will be successful. A pass happy spread can be in trouble with wind, a frozen ball, etc.

-Spread teams do not win National Championships hardly ever. Teams like Oregon will never win. They get killed against anyone with a dominant defensive line that brings constant pressure against the QB. Remember Marcus Marriota and all their other QB's that put up monster stats against Pac teams only to get squashed like a bug against the SEC or anyone with a dominant D-line?

-That's the funniest part about Penn State. They think they are going to be some offensive juggernaut with Mcsorley at QB with a spread. Then a good team with a great D-line comes a long and they will get completely shut down.

 

[rpost3]

I saw some of this McSorley recently in clips from their bowl game and he looks pretty good. Throws well on the run too, and good thing for him b/c he'll be running for his life all game long.

 

[raleighpanther]

I saw that bowl game live. McSorley was off target early and was not impressive. He got better in late in the third quarter and showed some mobility, and made some plays with his feet. He moved the ball and the team scored twice in the 4th quarter.

But its hard to know what to make of that performance, given that Georgia was a team without a coaching staff, and had a three TD lead when McSorley got rolling. Teams with 3 TD leads often play soft and make opposing QBs look great, so its hard to base much for 2016 on that second half performance.

This year, if he looks like he did in that 4th Q, the team will have some success. But I agree that even if he does play well generally, against a really good D, he'll likely struggle.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

You mean the game where Georgia pulled someone out of the stands to coach them?

 

[TempleBAPittMPA]

You mean the game where Georgia pulled someone out of the stands to coach them?

And even that guy outcoached James from State Farm.

 

[Jpripper88]

-Spread teams do not win National Championships hardly ever. Teams like Oregon will never win. They get killed against anyone with a dominant defensive line that brings constant pressure against the QB. Remember Marcus Marriota and all their other QB's that put up monster stats against Pac teams only to get squashed like a bug against the SEC or anyone with a dominant D-line?

-That's the funniest part about Penn State. They think they are going to be some offensive juggernaut with Mcsorley at QB with a spread. Then a good team with a great D-line comes a long and they will get completely shut down.

Oregon lost the National Championship by 3 points to Auburn in 2011.

 

[steel_curtain]

Oregon lost the National Championship by 3 points to Auburn in 2011.

-Yep, another spread offense loses again. Happens in all the big games.

 

[Jpripper88]

-Yep, another spread offense loses again. Happens in all the big games.

Lose by 3 in the National Championship = "getting squashed like a bug". Got it.

 

[steel_curtain]

Lose by 3 in the National Championship = "getting squashed like a bug". Got it.

-You guys just dont get it. That spread shit doesnt work. Oregon is notorious for getting rocked against SEC teams with Elite D-Lines. Auburn had 270 rush yards in the game with all power run against Oregon's paltry 70 rush yards.

-Elite D-Line, Elite Run game = Champion. Spread = Pushover.

 

[Tuck Shop Gal]

This video clip stirs up bad memories. Almost as bad as 48-14. Damn Wanny!

 

[pittzap]

Lose by 3 in the National Championship = "getting squashed like a bug". Got it.

Oregon scored 20 points under their average that game. They made the championship because their defense was better that year. They couldn't stop Auburn from running the ball, though.

 

[sherepower]

-Spread teams do not win National Championships hardly ever. Teams like Oregon will never win. They get killed against anyone with a dominant defensive line that brings constant pressure against the QB. Remember Marcus Marriota and all their other QB's that put up monster stats against Pac teams only to get squashed like a bug against the SEC or anyone with a dominant D-line?

-That's the funniest part about Penn State. They think they are going to be some offensive juggernaut with Mcsorley at QB with a spread. Then a good team with a great D-line comes a long and they will get completely shut down.

Ummmm... didn't Auburn win the NC with a spread? Yep!

 

[vegasgreed]

i'm not saying that spread teams dominate national championship winners but week in and week out you see upsets with spread teams beating better teams during the season. the spread gives a big advantage in creating mis matches. that is why so many schools have turned to the spread, its not by accident.

on a side note, i'm looking forward to narduzzi getting some upset wins as a head coach.

 

[steel_curtain]

i'm not saying that spread teams dominate national championship winners but week in and week out you see upsets with spread teams beating better teams during the season. the spread gives a big advantage in creating mis matches. that is why so many schools have turned to the spread, its not by accident.

on a side note, i'm looking forward to narduzzi getting some upset wins as a head coach.

-The spread fails almost every time against an Elite defensive line. Its a junk offense used to take advantage of teams without speed or power on the d-line. It becomes a joke of an offense when the defense has a pass rush.

 

[H2Pittisit]

-The spread fails almost every time against an Elite defensive line. Its a junk offense used to take advantage of teams without speed or power on the d-line. It becomes a joke of an offense when the defense has a pass rush.

The problem with your theory is there are very few elite defensive lines in college football. You act as if they are a dime a dozen. In addition, there are a lot of pass rushing teams that get hammered by the spread. The spread helps teams like Cincy beat Pitt when they are completely overmatched. It helps teams like Houston beat Florida St. when they are completely overmatched in talent. It is the great equalizer. It eliminates the size disadvantages at the line of scrimmage and puts athletes in space. It is also designed to use the opponents strength against it. If the ends are getting up field too quickly, runs and reads are designed to take advantage of it. You can cherry pick examples where it hasn't worked, but I can give you examples of a lot of teams with less talent that are beating teams with more talent because of the spread.

 

[steel_curtain]

The problem with your theory is there are very few elite defensive lines in college football. You act as if they are a dime a dozen. In addition, there are a lot of pass rushing teams that get hammered by the spread. The spread helps teams like Cincy beat Pitt when they are completely overmatched. It helps teams like Houston beat Florida St. when they are completely overmatched in talent. It is the great equalizer. It eliminates the size disadvantages at the line of scrimmage and puts athletes in space. It is also designed to use the opponents strength against it. If the ends are getting up field too quickly, runs and reads are designed to take advantage of it. You can cherry pick examples where it hasn't worked, but I can give you examples of a lot of teams with less talent that are beating teams with more talent because of the spread.

-Greg Ward had 38 TD's last year for Houston, including 21 Rush TD's and 1100 Rush Yards from the starting QB. Houston had 46 Rush TD's last year in comparison to 20 Pass TD's. Nice try, but once again you fail because you dont understand power run football. Houston was balanced last year, but their QB play and running ability is what makes them special, on top of the fact their Top WR is now in a Steelers Uniform. Get a QB that can run and throw in the college game. ex: TMAC

 

[H2Pittisit]

-Greg Ward had 38 TD's last year for Houston, including 21 Rush TD's and 1100 Rush Yards from the starting QB. Houston had 46 Rush TD's last year in comparison to 20 Pass TD's. Nice try, but once again you fail because you dont understand power run football. Houston was balanced last year, but their QB play and running ability is what makes them special, on top of the fact their Top WR is now in a Steelers Uniform. Get a QB that can run and throw in the college game. ex: TMAC

I don't think you quite understand that a spread does not mean passing the ball 80% of the time. The spread is designed to look over the D, see what is presented, and put the O in a play designed to be most effective. Houston runs the spread. Pitt would be better suited in a spread type offense. Power football works great when you are Alabama and recruiting 4 and 5 stars regularly. Do you think Notre Dame would be overwhelmed by Pitt manning up and running down their throats? I don't. How about Clemson, Bama, or Florida St.? No, they will stuff it because they will be more physically dominant at the point of attack.

 

[steel_curtain]

I don't think you quite understand that a spread does not mean passing the ball 80% of the time. The spread is designed to look over the D, see what is presented, and put the O in a play designed to be most effective. Houston runs the spread. Pitt would be better suited in a spread type offense. Power football works great when you are Alabama and recruiting 4 and 5 stars regularly. Do you think Notre Dame would be overwhelmed by Pitt manning up and running down their throats? I don't. How about Clemson, Bama, or Florida St.? No, they will stuff it because they will be more physically dominant at the point of attack.

-Well, I know you are a Penn State fan, and we arent running the spread. We wont look anything like a spread team with Matt Canada. And Im glad I get to watch Clemson try to stop it. Louisville gave Clemson all they could handle last year. And Pitt ripped Louisville last year. I wont jump to Clemson yet though because they will have a great offense. Ill stick to Pitt running the ball down Penn State's throat on every play of the game.

 

[H2Pittisit]

-Well, I know you are a Penn State fan, and we arent running the spread. We wont look anything like a spread team with Matt Canada. And Im glad I get to watch Clemson try to stop it. Louisville gave Clemson all they could handle last year. And Pitt ripped Louisville last year. I wont jump to Clemson yet though because they will have a great offense. Ill stick to Pitt running the ball down Penn State's throat on every play of the game.

We better hope we can, because their spread might exploit our D.

 

[steel_curtain]

We better hope we can, because their spread might exploit our D.

-Can Penn State's offense be any worse? Im not sure its possible since they ranked at the bottom of every offensive stat category in the country. Generally when you blatantly suck, you either continue to suck or move up. No more room to move down.

-With that said, Pitt puts up 300 rush yards on Penn State.

 

[H2Pittisit]

-Can Penn State's offense be any worse? Im not sure its possible since they ranked at the bottom of every offensive stat category in the country. Generally when you blatantly suck, you either continue to suck or move up. No more room to move down.

-With that said, Pitt puts up 300 rush yards on Penn State.

Lets hope so about the 300 rush yards. Seems like a lot of wishful thinking, however

 

[steel_curtain]

Lets hope so about the 300 rush yards. Seems like a lot of wishful thinking, however

-Wishful thinking? The Army Black Knights with a 2-10 record put up 280 last year. They are going to have the worst D-line in the Big Ten next year.

 

[H2Pittisit]

-Wishful thinking? The Army Black Knights with a 2-10 record put up 280 last year. They are going to have the worst D-line in the Big Ten next year.

Navy and 3-9 Georgia Tech put up over 400 against us. There is big difference between stopping an option attack and a power running game. Indiana, a team ranked 18 spots higher last year than Pitt in rush offense, rushed for 79 yards against penn state. Football is all about matchups. Lets just hope everything is rainbows and lollipops as you try to make it sound.

 

[H2Pittisit]

San Diego St., a team that went 10-2 and finished 10th in rushing yards in the nation, ran for 101 yards against Penn State. Those are two teams that will run a similar attack that Pitt will. My point isn't that we will not be able to run. It's that we will definitely need to be able to mix in some pass in order to run like the 1994 Nebraska Cornhuskers like you think